Aquatic oxygen demand , project proposal WR3

Series: Internal report / Water Quality Centre ; IR82/45.Publisher: 1982Description: 46 p.Subject(s): OXYGEN | WASTEWATER | RIVERS | NEW ZEALAND | WATER QUALITYHoldings: Index record, see series title Summary: Modelling of the oxygen balance of natural water systems have shown that the exertion of aquatic oxygen demand, because of the introduction of waste organic matter to the water, is a highly significant process. However, there are comparatively few data available to indicate the type of kinetics of oxygen demand exertion typical to New Zealand systems, and little direct understanding of the biochemical mechanisms operating. This project seeks to redress this situation in order that oxygen balance models can be constructed with more confidence. Modifications will be made to the existing electrolytic BOD units at Hamilton Science Centre to study the course of BOD progression in low strength (river) waters from the Waikato region. The consumption of substrate and build-up of biomass during the course of the progression will be studied to enable a proper comparison of various alternative models to be made.

Modelling of the oxygen balance of natural water systems have shown that the exertion of aquatic oxygen demand, because of the introduction of waste organic matter to the water, is a highly significant process. However, there are comparatively few data available to indicate the type of kinetics of oxygen demand exertion typical to New Zealand systems, and little direct understanding of the biochemical mechanisms operating. This project seeks to redress this situation in order that oxygen balance models can be constructed with more confidence. Modifications will be made to the existing electrolytic BOD units at Hamilton Science Centre to study the course of BOD progression in low strength (river) waters from the Waikato region. The consumption of substrate and build-up of biomass during the course of the progression will be studied to enable a proper comparison of various alternative models to be made.